Cocktails with Peanut paste
Peanut paste is roasted peanuts ground to a thick, oily paste, with nothing added.
How it's used
In blended and creamy drinks it adds peanut flavor and thickens. Banana and chocolate are the natural partners. It also fat-washes a spirit: stir it in, leave it, freeze, lift off the set fat and strain. The spirit tastes of peanut and stays clear; aged rum and bourbon suit it. Peanut is one of the most serious food allergens, so tell the guest, especially when a fat-washed spirit looks like any other.
Substitutes for Peanut paste
Natural peanut butter
Pure blended peanuts are the closest match. Just stir the oil back in before scooping.
Sweetened peanut butter
A regular grocery store jar works by weight. The extra salt and sugar fit right into a sweet glass.
Almond or cashew butter
These swap by weight but taste of their specific nuts. They are still allergens.
Tahini
It works too, though it is more bitter and smells of sesame.
Refined peanut oil
Won't work. It is pure fat with barely any aroma and absolutely no thick body.
